LA PLATA, Md.—The College of Southern Maryland celebrated the 2014-15 academic year scholarship awardees and donors on Sept. 17 during a reception at the Center for Business and Industry on the La Plata Campus. More than $300,000 in scholarships were awarded to 259 students.

CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried recognized 77 scholarship donors, who are making a difference in Southern Maryland by partnering with the CSM Foundation in keeping education affordable and accessiblewhich in turn, he said, enhances the health and welfare of the local economy.

I see daily the lives that are being changed here at CSM and it is because of the support of our donors that we are able to continue our work of helping students realize their potential, said Gottfried. The more opportunities we present as a community for our students to succeed, the bigger impact we will make in transforming the Southern Maryland region.

Speaking to scholarship recipients, CSM Foundation Chair Chris Rush said, I have firsthand knowledge of the support of this community because just like you, I attended the College of Southern Maryland, Class of 1987. Today, as the chair of the Foundation and an active member of the Southern Maryland community, I see the impact of CSM. Everywhere I turn there is something CSM-related: a campus, a student, a program, an employee. That says a lot about CSM and its presence in the community, and you are now a part of this great tradition.

Two scholarship recipients spoke at the reception, Nichole Estep of Lusby, who received the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce Annual Scholarship, and Liza Dalrymple of Prince Frederick who received the Dennis Lake Smith Memorial Art Scholarship and the Jerome A. Zanelotti, Sr. Memorial Scholarship.

Estep, a nursing student, told donors that in addition to her supportive husband, mother and siblings, she is thankful for the people who are not my family, who dont know much about me, who I never metuntil tonightbut who have also encouraged me, stood by me and believed in me: the people who create and donate to scholarships so people like me can pursue their dreams. I would personally like to thank all of you who give to the foundation for your selfless charity.

Dalrymple returned to college to pursue a passion in art. At this present moment, the opportunity to return to college is a joyous gift. Im living in the momentand enjoying the present. But Im also living with the understanding that everything I do, every class I take, every teachers lecture, every art projectis shaping my future. I want to promise the donors of the scholarships that I received--I will make you proud. I promise, your generous donations are appreciated, she said.

More than 72 percent of college students nationwide graduate with student loan debt, according to Gottfried. This is why CSM is taking great strides to educate our students, their spouses and parents about the opportunity and wise decision to save more than $29,000 by starting here at CSM for their freshmen and sophomore years.